Joint School Board / City Council Meeting Minutes

December 4th, 2024

The Board of Education of Independent School District #238 met with Mabel and Canton City Councils on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 at 6:00 pm in Science Room #50 at the Mabel-Canton School, Mabel, MN. 

Present: Charlene Selbee with Fillmore County Journal, Anne Koliha, Kristy Ziegler, Jen Dowling, Mark Weidemann, Michelle Weidemann, Amber Tripp, Gary Kuphal, Diane Wilder, Karen Larson, Cory Wilson

There was one change to the agenda to add Solar Proposals as a Discussion/Action Item.

Gary welcomed all and introductions were made.

Ann said a survey will begin this Winter for street improvements in all of Canton replacing water and sewer lines as well with actual construction planned to begin in 2026.  A sizable USDA Federal Grant was approved to help cover a large portion of the cost, along with small loans and possibly smaller grants and state funds.  No idea yet regarding approximate costs for homeowners.  

Karen Larson said Mabel City plans to begin on Oak Street as it is in need of repair.  

Diane Wilder asked about bus pickups in Canton.  Kristy Ziegler and Michelle Weidemann confirmed there are 3 or 4 stops and are not aware of any problems with the bus transportation.  

Gary discussed Decorah students still attending Mabel-Canton School.  He added that 20 of the 23 students have arranged for educational guardianship to continue to attend M-C, and the school continues to receive state funding for those students.  We now have no buses that go into Iowa.  Also added, the bus company is always looking for help if anyone knows of someone who may be interested.  

Gary discussed solar options for the school, adding we will receive a 40% grant provided by the state of MN and a 30% federal grant if we go solar.  The plan is to put a solar unit on top of the Elementary building.  Thank you to the City of Mabel for partnering with M-C School on our first project together.  Gary added that many schools in SE MN have gone to solar due to all the grants that are offered.  

Informal discussion was held on the school calendar days.  The state requires 169 school days.  M-C has 175 days built into our calendar.  This does not change if a 4-day week were put into place.  At this time, the board is not actively discussing this topic, but the administration is simply gathering information.  

Gary discussed the difference between a Bond Referendum being used for remodeling and updating our building, and an Operating Referendum being daily operating costs.   

Our last bond referendum was during COVID.  Due to supply chain issues and increased prices of materials needed during the last bond referendum, we were unable to complete all projects planned.  The School Board has agreed to ask taxpayers this Spring to support an $8.5 million bond referendum to finish all the projects that were originally planned.  Michelle added that a larger space in the CTE area would help expand our offerings to students.  If the vote is successful on April 8, 2025, construction would begin in the Summer of 2026 in hopes that interest rates, construction bids, and cost of materials drop to be able to complete all projects needed.  

Gary addressed the school board only on the solar topic noting 9 bids were submitted.  The Facility Committee made a recommendation to go with Solar Connections for $62,000.  The School Board will vote on whether or not to move forward with Solar Connection at the December meeting.  While there was not a quorum of the board to vote, those board members in attendance indicated their support to move forward.  

Jason Marquardt, Clerk ________________________________________________________